Director Maintenance

The Director is responsible for the strategic oversight and managerial direction of the Operations Division in matters relating specifically to the Tampa Campus. In this role, the Director works closely with USF System leadership to inform, update and make recommendations to senior leadership and the University Board of Trustees on matters relating to Campus Operations. The Director will develop and nurture both external and internal client relationships, as well as represent the Division on related matters within the USF System, throughout the State University System, and within the industry. The position will provide leadership and guidance to the Facilities Management team, develop goals and policies, and create and implement both short and long-term initiatives. This position provides overall management, direction, and planning for the Operations Sub-Division of Facilities Management Division. The Operations Sub-Division includes the Maintenance, Utilities, and the Energy Management & Controls departments. Each department will have their own respective manager or assistant director who directly reports to this position.

• This position serves as the University’s lead representative for Maintenance programs and the designated liaison to SSC partners. Designs and implements strategic goals and objectives for associated operations to be executed by SSC. Develops and monitors service standards, KPIs, and scopes of work to be executed through SSC’s operations. Ensures compliance with University Standards, organizational goals, local laws, regulations and safety standards. Collaborates with SSC to continuously evaluate and improve the outcomes of the contracted services and processes associated with it. Prepares reports to leadership on the performance of outsourced services. Provide recommendations for improvements and optimizations. Assesses work with visual and documented inspections. Identifies and mitigates potential risks or issues associated with the service provider’s work.
• Serves as the University’s lead representative for Maintenance programs and the designated liaison to SSC partners. Designs and implements strategic goals and objectives for associated operations to be executed by SSC. Develops and monitors service standards, KPIs, and scopes of work to be executed through SSC’s operations. Ensures compliance with University Standards, organizational goals, local laws, regulations and safety standards. Collaborates with SSC to continuously evaluate and improve the outcomes of the contracted services and processes associated with it. Prepares reports to leadership on the performance of outsourced services. Provide recommendations for improvements and optimizations. Assesses work with visual and documented inspections. Identifies and mitigates potential risks or issues associated with the service provider’s work
• Maintains significant fiscal responsibility for Maintenance budgets. Monitors budgets and forecasts for future changes and/or shortfalls. Collaborates with SSC and USF senior leadership on necessary capital needs and requirements; reports any known variances in costs to ensure transparency and informed decision-making. Reviews invoices, approves expenses, and alters scope of work accordingly. Solves contract-related problems that may arise with other parties and internally with the service provider itself. Collaborates with necessary departments in projecting growth in the university’s size or operations that might require more maintenance services. Works in conjunction with the service provider to recommend cost-effective ideas and/or find alternatives to seek opportunities to control or reduce costs while maintaining the quality of service.
• Acts as a liaison between the service provider and campus buildings to discuss necessary work outside of the normal scope. Receives and collaborates with SSC on feedback received from university departments. Resolves issues and ensures that both parties are fulfilling their obligations. Gathers feedback from university stakeholders (faculty, staff, students) and works with service provider to make improvements as necessary. Maintains USF equipment and assets remaining with USF for maintenance operations.
• Supervises employees that support SSC operations but remain USF employees. Approves time, coordinates with SSC on human resources and employee relations issues.
• Responds and manages maintenance incidents and emergencies. Provides critical decision making and notifications during incidents. Leads associated response and recovery operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of 7 years of related exempt level experience, including 5 years of managerial experience. Experience leading a team, project, program, or function.
• Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree
• Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
  • SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
  • A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
  • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
  • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
  • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
  • Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
  • Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, facilities management, or related field (Master’s preferred) 
• 10+ years of facilities/maintenance experience with 7+ years in senior leadership 
• Experience managing large, complex operations – higher education preferred
• Strong background overseeing outsourced services to include performance management, development and implementation of QA/QC programs and strategies, inspection programs, accountability, and continuous process improvement
• Strong knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), utilities, and life safety systems 
• Demonstrated financial management of large operating budgets and data-driven decision making
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills 

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.